Yeah!! I'm so glad we can inspire you to want to rescue. Miles has truly been a blessing! I feel so lucky to have found him in the pound and to have had the opportunity to give him a second chance. He's such a character and has brought immeasurable happiness to our lives. Every time I see him, I just want to run over and squish him. hehehehhehehe …
Well, I have to also tell you that last weekend he started acting strangely. He tried to jump up on the couch and he couldn't. And it seemed his back legs weren't working properly. And then he refused to do stairs. I got really nervous but thought it could be anything from a pinched nerve to arthritis, etc. So we made close observations and then took him to the vet. His personality was not affected-- he just seemed to not want to move. And when he did, it was hard for him to bear weight on his back legs and he was no longer jumping onto or off anything. So after our vet visit, she said he had early stage arthritis. It's the best scenario I guess. I mean, it could have been a lot worse. Getting old just sucks. So we have glucosamine/chondrotin (sp) and a pain med for him to take from here on out. He had his first dose last night and I couldn't have been more excited to see him jump onto our bed and dig under the covers!! (Usually "the kids" have to get down in their bed at night, but last night... they got full privileges and got to start and STAY in our bed all night!) But it's getting through little challenges together that really gives life meaning. We help each other. I wish I could rescue all of them. Truly.
I hope others find the strength to reach out and save one. It will come back to you ten fold. Hugs!!